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The Love that Compels

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Daily Reflections

Daily Scripture, May 25, 2025

Scripture:

Acts 15:1-2, 22-29
Revelation 21:10-14, 22-23
john 14:23-29

Reflection:

As I read our first reading for this Sunday (Acts 15:1-2, 22-29), I found myself returning to some things that have been on my mind for some time: How do we see the “other?” Are we called to be more inclusive or exclusive? Must we always be in battle? The reading covers a time when some Christians were saying to others, “Unless you are circumcised according to the Mosaic practice, you cannot be saved.’ For Paul and Barnabas, who had been proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ to Jew and Gentile alike, this went against their understanding of the Gospel. And so, the apostles and other leaders in Jerusalem called a meeting to decide what the community would do. The full debate is not covered in our reading, but we do have the result. And the result was that the leaders discerned that the Gentiles did not have to be circumcised in order to be part of the church. In other words, the Gentiles didn’t have to become something they were not in order to join the Christian community.

When we read this, I think our natural reaction is to see the wisdom and compassion of the decision. And yet, I think the Church at times continues to struggle with the questions of identity and unity and diversity. Do we have unity only when everyone is the same, and so we are to try to make everyone the same? Or is there room for differences according to cultural understanding and expression? For example, when I visited India, most Catholic churches had no seats, not to mention kneelers. The congregation sat on the floor. Were they less Catholic because of this? I think many who are reading this would say, “Obviously not!” But still, there seems to be a strong temptation to judge people who are not like us.

Is there an answer to how we are to treat others, including those who are different from us? In our Gospel reading (John 14:23-29), Jesus says to the apostles at the Last Supper: “Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him…I have told you this while I am with you. The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you.” For me, Jesus is telling me to heed and follow His words, many of which speak about love and not giving in to fear. Jesus’ words tell me to follow the promptings of the Holy Spirit, not the prejudices I may hold in my heart or the stereotypes I may hold in my mind.

There may be limits to diversity that can be sustained in any group or institution, but there can be no limits on love. There are no limits on God’s love for us! That is what we need to remember when we wrestle with the issues of inclusion and exclusion, or when we’re tempted to condemn.

May the love of God in Jesus Christ keep us and open us to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Fr. Phil Paxton, C.P., is the local superior of the Passionist Community in Birmingham, Alabama. 

Daily Scripture, October 30, 2020

Scripture:Philippians 1:1-11Luke 14:1-6Reflection:In today’s compact first reading, St. Paul prays that the Philippians “discern what is of value.”  That brought to mind the following meditation:When the time comes for our final » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, October 29, 2020

Scripture:Ephesians 6:10 – 20Luke 13:31 -35Reflection:Draw your strength from the Lord and from his mighty power. -Ephesians 6:10As I have been reflecting on the scriptures for today, I can’t help but » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, October 28, 2020

Feast of Saints Simon and JudeScripture:Ephesians 2:19-22Luke 6:12-16Reflection:Brothers and sisters:WE are no longer strangers and sojourners,WE are fellow citizens with the holy onesAnd members of the household of God!Paul was » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, October 27, 2020

Scripture:Ephesians 5:21-33Luke 13:18-21Reflection:The parables of the mustard seed and the yeast show how quickly and successfully the gospel could travel throughout the world despite opposition! We live in a world of rulers » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, October 26, 2020

Scripture:Ephesians 4:32-5:8Luke 13:10-17Reflection:The requirements of faith don’t get any more real than what we hear proclaimed in today’s scripture that picks up on yesterday’s Sunday readings. It really upset the » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, October 25, 2020

Scripture:Exodus 22:20-261 Thessalonians 1:5c-10Matthew 22:34-40Reflection:Commandments to LoveLast week I reflected on the commandment “Love your neighbor” as a fitting response to “Then repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, October 24, 2020

Scripture:Ephesians 4:7-16Luke 13:1-9Reflection:Saturday Vigil, St. Paul of the Cross“Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” He said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, October 23, 2020

Scripture:Ephesians 4:1-6Luke 12:54-59Reflection:In today’s Gospel reading, after Jesus points out to the people how well they can see things and know what kind of weather they’re going to have, He » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, October 22, 2020

Scripture:Ephesians 3:14-21Luke 12:49-53Reflection:October 1966. Sunday morning sunlight streams in through the amber windowpanes high on the East wall of the Chapel, then spills down onto the tiles of the chapel floor between » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, October 21, 2020

Scripture: Ephesians 3:2-12Luke 12:39-48 Reflection: Unsearch Riches of Christ “You have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me for your benefit, namely, that the mystery was » Continue Reading.

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